Okay everybody, it seems I found the right place and I have a dilemma in front of me that I hope and pray all you Ram owners can help with. Here goes.
I have the money right now, and I make more than enough to afford a Ram. My problem is I don't know what to get. I've found two incredible deals and I need a little help.

Ram #1: 2005 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Standard bed Manual Six Speed 3.7L V6 with 39k on it.

Ram #2: 2005 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Long Bed Auto 5.7L V8 (I may be wrong on this, it may have the magnum 4.7L V8) with 47k on it.

Ram #2 is cheaper than Ram #1 by one thousand, both have beautiful exteriors and interiors. Both have clean carfax reports.

Now the question is: Would I really be spending all that much more money to have the V8 with the long bed as opposed to the Short bed v6? I've done extensive research on both and they don't get that bad of mileage. I can afford the V8. To you all, which would you buy and why? I just need Dodge Ram owner input. Thanks all,

Josh

 

Although I am not a fan of the long bed, I would go for the hemi just for the power alone. Reason is the first time you pull or haul something, you are going to wish you had that extra power. You are only talking about $1k difference so the V8 is looking pretty good.

Now, you haven't stated the prices on these trucks. Let us know what the prices are and we can further help by saying it is or isn't a good deal. Dealers are running some amazing prices now, and I know alot of private sellers/dealers are still trying to get their money back on trucks that are not worth it.

 

First of all, DO NOT get a quad cab v6. Second, have you looked into new 08 rams? with the economy the way it is and gas, not to mention the new 09's are arriving, they are getting ready to get rid of the 08's. If i were you, i'd go check the local dodge dealer, haggle with them a little, and see what they come up with. As far as engenes go, I would get the 4.7 or 5.7.

 

Thanks for the quick replies guys. I wasn't looking forward to a V6 Ram really but here are the prices:

The V6 quad/short is listed for 10k. Meaning, the quad/long bed v8 is listed for 9k. I'm hoping to get a bit knocked off on either because I'm paying in cash.

This is my main reason for not looking into the 08's/09's

Price/cash on hand.

After doing some reading I'm wondering is the 05 reliable and dependable?

I saw the light years ago, I've wanted a Dodge ram since I was about six.

 

Def go with the V8. The V6 would probably be struggling most of the time and you're mileage would suffer anyway. That 05 QC V8 must be the 4.7L for that price. I just sold my 03 QC 5.9L 51k for 13.

 

no question, v8. especially with the quad cab. but seriously, with 10k on hand, your payments on a new truck will be like 250 a month. and you won't have to worry about replacing tires for years (i suspect at 39k and 51k both trucks are almsot due), tune ups, and maintenance. think about it.

 

IMO get a new one. You can get a smoken deal right now.

 

With 10k down, your payments would be nothing on a new one, I would be leaning more that way to be honest. A new quad cab 08 with the hemi v8 are going around 18-20k right now, plus a new warranty.

The ONLY way I would go with one of the trucks you mentioned would be if they already have ALL of the modifications you would want to do to it, and even then I think I still would be leaning more towards a new one depending what they have had done to them....

 

I wouldn't even consider the 3.7. I would then make absolutely sure the v-8 is the 5.7----the mpg between the 2 (4.7 and 5.7)is nearly identical. If the v-8 turns out to be a 4.7, I would see what I could do for the new one (08) before I laid out the cash for a used one. The 5.7 is a much better engine than the 4.7, and you'de have much better pulling power and low end torque if you need to do any towing or heavy work. Plus the resale later on would be better too. Just my .02

 

personally i wouldnt buy either of those. get an 08 the way you want it